Memorial service for Phyllis George, former Kentucky First Lady, to be livestreamed on KET Monday

KET will livestream the memorial service for Phyllis George, the former Kentucky First Lady, Miss America and pioneering female sportscaster, on Monday (May 25) at 3/2 p.m. at KET.org.

George, who died May 14 of complications from a rare blood disorder, became one of the first women to have a prominent role in televised sports when she was hired by CBS Sports in the 1970s. In 1979, George married John Y. Brown Jr. and served as Kentucky’s first lady after Brown’s successful run for governor later that year.

Lincoln, Phyllis George, and Pamela (Family photo provided)

Monday’s memorial service in Versailles is a private event with attendees observing social distancing restrictions and will feature remarks from George’s family and friends, including son Lincoln Brown and daughter Pamela Brown Wright, as well as singing from Everett McCorvey, director of University of Kentucky’s Opera Theatre.

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In his daily briefing, Gov. Andy Beshear paid tribute to the life of the former Kentucky First Lady ahead of her private funeral on Monday. George also was a groundbreaking sports broadcaster and former Miss America.

The Governor said a small private ceremony would be held in the Capitol this weekend and that it would be livestreamed on KET.

“This is a former First Lady who served an amazing role here in Kentucky,” Beshear said. “We’ve requested you tune in to KET to watch the funeral. It’s a private service, but it’s the way we can try to honor a former First Lady at a time when this coronavirus is still prevalent.”

Beshear honored her life and sent condolences to her friends and loved ones, including her children Pamela and Lincoln.